News Releases

After surviving a horrific crash on Interstate 75, a grateful family is recognizing the heroes who rushed to the scene. Keisha Shelton and her daughter, Ada Graham, were both injured in the wreck and they’re still recovering months later. As they continue healing, they’re thanking everyone who has helped them along the way, including firefighters and paramedics. On Tuesday (10/25/22), they visited Chattanooga Fire Station 7 for a special joint recognition with the CFD, Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department and Hamilton County EMS. The fire companies that worked the incident received meritorious unit citations for their outstanding work on the scene as they were faced with a tricky extrication due to the seriousness of the wreck. Keisha and Ada were traveling on I-75 SB on their way to Orlando when their vehicle was struck head-on by another driver going the wrong way on the interstate near the Ooltewah exit. Ada was trapped in the wreckage and sustained a broken femur, ankle and knee, and multiple hip and pelvis fractures. She also had a brain bleed. She spent time in the ICU following the incident and has since undergone six surgeries to repair the damage. Keisha had a broken arm, sprained ankle and other cuts and bruises. She also underwent surgeries following the collision. On their long road to recovery, they have remained positive and grateful to be alive following their traumatizing ordeal.

On March 6, 2022 at 3:10 AM, Chattanooga firefighters were called to Interstate 75 Southbound on an accident with entrapment. Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department advised that there was heavy entrapment. On arrival at the crash scene, crews found a Silver Toyota located against the median wall. Ada was inside the mangled car in a great deal of pain and trapped by the dashboard, making it difficult to remove her so members of the CFD got to work on the extrication along with TCVFD. Using a winch, the vehicle was moved so access could be made to the patient. With the help of the Jaws of Life and other tools, skilled firefighters began cutting on metal as they deployed disentanglement procedures. Battalion Chief Brandon Schroyer remained inside the heavily damaged vehicle comforting Ada. He did all that he could to take her mind off her injuries and assured her that the crews were working as quickly as possible to free her as she faded in and out of consciousness. Due to the location of the patient, firefighters were forced to remove the roof of the car to get to her and then used the Jaws of Life to push the dash off of her. Once the dash was out of the way, wires and other debris were removed, freeing up the patient. Ada was carefully placed on a backboard and loaded into a waiting ambulance and transported to the hospital by Hamilton County EMS.

Following the extrication, the responding CFD personnel on the call were nominated for an award and Fire Chief Phil Hyman commended the crews on Tuesday for their hard work and problem-solving skills on the scene of the crash. Squad 13, Squad 7, Ladder 7 (Red Shift) and Battalion Chief Schroyer were recognized. Their diligence and compassion on this call illustrate their dedication to helping citizens and making a difference when lives are on the line.

Keisha invited first responders to a surprise 16th birthday party for Ada this past weekend so they could see her progress and so that their family could thank everyone in person for what they did on the crash scene. Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman, BC Schroyer and others who worked the wreck attended the party and it was a great reunion. Firefighters don’t always get to see the people involved in the calls they respond to after the incident so it was nice to catch up and see how well Keisha and Ada are doing now. It was also great to have them visit the fire hall. Thanks to everyone involved!

A vehicle fire spread into the front of an East Brainerd home Saturday night (10/22/22), but Chattanooga firefighters made a quick stop on it, limiting the damage. At 8:22 PM, Green Shift companies were called to the 1600 block of Southernwood Drive where a car fire in the driveway of a house extended into the structure. The flames ran up the vinyl siding on the front of the residence and got into the attic, but the fire was contained by responding crews. They made a swift knockdown on both the vehicle fire and residential fire. The cause is under investigation. There were no injuries. Quint 21, Squad 7, Ladder 7, Squad 13, Squad 19, Quint 6, Battalion 1 and Battalion 2 responded, along with CPD, HCEMS, EPB, CFD Supply and CFD Investigations.

The Chattanooga Fire Department is asking members of the public to refrain from smoking in bed after two recent house fires that were caused by the dangerous act.

On Saturday (10/15/22), firefighters responded to a home in the 2500 block of Maple Street. Fire and smoke were coming from the structure and defensive operations were initiated for safety reasons due to multiple rounds of ammunition cooking off and an explosion from one of the oxygen tanks inside the home. Crews remained on scene for several hours working to extinguish the fire. The structure was a total loss. Four adults were displaced and received assistance from the American Red Cross. One occupant sustained burns and another suffered smoke inhalation. They were treated at the hospital for what appeared to be minor injuries. Then on Sunday night (10/16/22), firefighters responded to an apartment fire at College Hill Courts in the 600 block of W 13 Street Court. A mattress had caught fire and spread to the curtains and walls. On arrival, crews found heavy fire showing out the front windows of a downstairs unit and an interior attack was made. Firefighting operations and a simultaneous search of the apartment and surrounding units were conducted. The residents were all outside upon CFD’s arrival and there were no injuries. The fire was under control in ten minutes and it was contained to the mattress, bedding and walls in the original apartment.

In both incidents, the fires were accidentally started by someone smoking in bed. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries in these cases, but the CFD has worked fires in the past where smoking in bed has led to severe burns and even death. It is important for smokers to know the steps they can take to keep themselves and their families safe from fire. Please smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. Put cigarettes out all of the way every time you smoke. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired because you may not be able to prevent or escape from a fire. Never smoke around medical oxygen. It can explode if a flame or spark is near. Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily and you might fall asleep with a lit cigarett

Chattanooga firefighters prevented an apartment fire from spreading to surrounding units on Sunday night, containing it to the room of origin. Red Shift companies responded to the College Hill Courts around 7:30 PM after Hamilton County 911 received reports of flames coming from an apartment in the 600 block of W 13 Street Court. A mattress had caught fire and spread to the curtains and walls. On arrival, crews found heavy fire showing out the front windows of a downstairs unit and an interior attack was made. Firefighting operations and a simultaneous search of the apartment and surrounding units were conducted. The residents were all outside upon CFD’s arrival and there were no injuries. The fire was under control in ten minutes and it was contained to the mattress, bedding and walls in the original apartment. It was accidental in nature. The American Red Cross is assisting one displaced adult displaced. Quint 1, Ladder 1, Squad 1, Engine 5, Ladder 5, Engine 9, Quint 14, Engine 12, Battalion 1 and Battalion 3 (Red Shift) responded.